Chapter 1469 - 1142: Charcoal Fire (Part 3)

Although, he also understood that the fault was not Yu Wenye’s.

But after a few days, especially seeing Yu Wenye led only a few men in a night raid on Xiao Yuansui’s camp, wreaking havoc inside, and returned with such serious injuries, his anger gradually subsided—it wasn’t that Yu Wenye didn’t protect Shang Ruyi well, but rather, as long as the world remains divided and there are enemies, no one could guarantee Ru Yi’s safety.

So, he finally calmed down.

Facing Shen Tu Tai’s gaze again, he merely said, "Today is our only chance to rescue Ru Yi—Princess Qin alive. If anyone acts irrationally, her chances of survival will be diminished. I must ensure she returns alive."

Shen Tu Tai nodded lightly, "Rest assured."

Speaking of this, he recalled Shantong’er’s worried inquiry about Shang Ruyi on the battlements earlier. He looked around, "Ah, where is Lao Jiu?"

Shen Wuzheng glanced around as well, indeed not seeing Shantong’er’s figure. Instead, Xue Lin stepped forward, glaring angrily at the enemy troops below the battlements who were still cursing, his anger yet unspent, saying, "He just went down; seems like he went to find Prince Qin."

"Oh?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Tu Tai and Shen Wuzheng exchanged a look.

Meanwhile, inside the garrison, Shantong’er frowned as he walked towards Yu Wenye’s room—these past few days, he had been avoiding meeting Yu Wenye alone, not because he refused to forgive him, but ultimately, he spent too little time with Shan Shiyu, whereas he had gone through thick and thin with Yu Wenye many times, and thus their bond was deeper. The reason for leaving was due to unresolved feelings, while returning was because he realized he couldn’t let go.

Not only couldn’t he let go of Yu Wenye, he also couldn’t let go of Shang Ruyi.

And now, as Ru Yi’s life hung in the balance, he believed he ought to find out what exactly Prince Qin intended, and not be in a situation where all the adults seemed tacitly aware while leaving him completely in the dark.

However, just as he reached the door, he saw two soldiers exiting Yu Wenye’s room with puzzled expressions, muttering something.

Upon seeing Shantong’er, both immediately fell silent.

Shantong’er asked, "What are you doing here?"

The two soldiers exchanged a glance, one quietly replied, "Prince Qin asked us to bring over a basin... of charcoal."

Shantong’er asked in confusion, "Charcoal?"

Although it had been raining incessantly for days and the weather had cooled down, it wasn’t yet cold enough to warrant using charcoal. Moreover, today was a rare fine day, and even before noon he felt somewhat hot, while Yu Wenye, being strong and robust, was the least susceptible to cold. Why would he need charcoal now?

He then asked, "What does he want charcoal for?"

The two soldiers shook their heads, "We don’t know either, His Highness instructed us not to ask further."

Shantong’er thought for a moment and then waved his hand for the two to leave. He walked to the door, about to knock, when he suddenly heard a muffled grunt like a low growl of a beast from inside, "Mm—"

Soon after, a sizzling sound filled the air along with a burnt smell.

What happened?!

Thinking something was wrong, Shantong’er directly pushed open the door, and the sight before him left him stunned, "What, what are you doing?!"

He saw, in the center of the room was the charcoal basin just delivered by the soldiers, with the charcoal burning vigorously, the entire room filled with heat waves. Sitting in front of the basin was Yu Wenye, shirt half removed, holding a partly burned piece of charcoal, pressing the glowing end firmly onto his wound.

The room was permeated with the scent of blood and the smell of charred flesh.

This was nothing less than scraping the bones!

Yu Wenye also bit down on a piece of cloth to suppress his cries of pain. Even so, he was in such pain his eyes were bloodshot, seemingly about to faint the next moment.

Shantong’er was terrified, rushing up, "Your Highness, what are you doing?!"

Seeing him burst in, Yu Wenye’s bloodshot eyes gradually showed a hint of light. He spat out the cloth, dropped the charcoal in his hand, glanced at the scorched wound, then gently raised and rotated his arm, moving freely.

"Hm,"

He nodded, "Doesn’t hurt anymore."